"Scrunching" Noise When Turning

[Hank Horsey]

Hello All.

I'm getting an odd noise from my 01 Outback (auto transmission). I would describe it as a "scrunching" sound--like tires on wet snow. I gather the usual suspects are CV joint, bushings or diff. Does this sound like any of those? Something else?

A. When does the sound happen?

When turning hard to the right at very slow (parking lot) speeds.

B. Where does the sound come from?

The front.

C. Does the sound vary with some condition?

Doesn't occur at speed, maybe because I don't turn sharply enough.

D. Is there a vibration associated with the noise?

No vibration.

E. Does it affect drive-ability? how? (Essay question, 2500 words or less)

No. (2499 words to spare!)

Thanks for your help!

[driveby]

Have you checked the wheel wheels for a loose liner or other obstruction that is rubbing on one of the tires?

-Jeff

[Hank Horsey]

Jeff, I'm pretty much a novice car owner so I haven't done anything that involves, like, an inspection.

That's a good idea. I'll check it out.

As of today I'm hearing it a little bit at low speeds driving in a straight line. Also, it may be more of a "creak" than "scrunch." Scientifically speaking.

Thanks for the suggestion--I'll definitely look into it.

[driveby]

Originally Posted by Hank Horsey

Jeff, I'm pretty much a novice car owner so I haven't done anything that involves, like, an inspection.

That's a good idea. I'll check it out.

As of today I'm hearing it a little bit at low speeds driving in a straight line. Also, it may be more of a "creak" than "scrunch." Scientifically speaking.

Thanks for the suggestion--I'll definitely look into it.

Welcome. Funny...I dunno what "wheel wheels" might be...I thought I wrote "wheel wells".

Please post back whatever you find!


-Jeff

[Hank Horsey]

Heh. Wheel wheels (and wells) look fine. It creaks a bit when I lean on the hood so I'm guessing suspension.

I'll take it in tomorrow and see what my mechanic has to say.

[nipper]

Do all the tires match? Are they all inflated properly?

[ETC]

If it's same creak when you lean on it, should be pretty easy to pinpoint. When it only does it when you're moving, then it's a pain.

Lot's of moving parts up there, check that everything is tight and lubed up [Sway bar bushings come to mind] . Strut mounts, spring squeaking in the seat etc. If it's a random squeak and you have a can of silicone lube, start spraying one section at a time intil it goes away, you will at least know the source if not the problem.

[Hank Horsey]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I tried to reproduce the creaking by leaning on the front end and I couldn't (but the noise is still there when I drive). I decided to take it to my mechanic because my wife is going on a road trip next week and I'll be out of town.

Turns out it's a loose tie rod. There is also a loose sway bar (I knew about this from my last maintenance but I put off the repair because money was tight at the time) and some bad bushings. He said it will need an alignment too.

I told them to do the works, which will set me back around $640. Ouch.

BTW, nipper, yes, the wheels all match and are inflated properly. Last week I changed out my winter tires for my all-seasons, which only have about 12 months of driving on them.